One of my first jobs in high school, was standing behind a counter in Bloomingdales selling cards, ribbons, and hair accessories. It was really boring. My supervisor was a woman and her boss was a man. I had no idea how people became supervisors, managers, or even switched departments. When I had the highest sales rate for over four months, I thought that someone would look at my numbers and offer me a better job. Those were the days when I also thought that managers always hired the best candidates, and if you only had 2 years instead of 2 1/2 years of experience like the ad said, you shouldn’t weren’t qualified

While I was languishing away selling notions behind a counter, waiting to be discovered by management, other women and men were executing plans and getting promoted.

It wasn’t until many years later that I learned three things

1- there was a game called business,

2- strategy was key,

3- I could play too.

With the help of several mentors, I learned to change how I viewed myself and the world of business.

The key to business success is to be seen and heard as a leader by people in power. Become the go to person for your expertise and what you want to be known for.

Three elements of being seen and heard:

a- stop being a well-kept secret in your organization

b- be seen as a peer and as adding value by people in higher positions than you

c- Look the part and be ready for the starring role.

Do you know how you’re seen in your organization by senior executives, managers and employees? Are you doing enough to be seen as a leader or as the expert in your field?